Hotels to Book in Morocco You'll Never Want to Leave
Relaxing spaces and impeccable service make La Sultana Oualidia one of best places to stay in Morocco | Courtesy of La Sultana Oualidia / Expedia
Sleep under the stars in the Atlas Mountains, surf the wild Atlantic beach breaks or book a city break in a riad at the heart of the medina. We’ve selected our favourite hotels across Morocco – Fes, Essaouira, Marrakech and even the Sahara Desert – bookable on Culture Trip.
Morocco draws in travellers who want to explore Marrakech’s vast souks and immerse themselves in Berber culture. The warm Arabic welcome is a key reason so many return time and again to this North African country. Expect personalised service, tranquil infinity pools, cool marble hammams and the country’s finest cuisine at these top hotels.
Courtesy of Tangaro Auberge and Spa / Expedia
It might be as you sip a morning coffee on your private terrace shaded by giant eucalyptus trees or during your dip in the turquoise pool when you vow to never to tell a soul about this hotel. Perched on a hilltop, about 20 minutes south of Essaouira by car, Tangaro blends luxury barefoot charm with pared-back pampering. Rooms are housed in white-washed cottages, ranging from spacious superior doubles to duplex suites. Most guests come for romantic getaways or a peaceful retreat, but it is family-friendly.
Courtesy of Dar al Hossoun / Expedia
This eco-friendly boutique bolthole unfurls around a series of interconnecting gardens, filled with 900 different plant species and lively with frogs, peacocks and cats. There are two pools, plenty of lounging space and outdoor nooks with open fires. Taroudant, a town in southern Morocco backed by the Atlas Mountains, is 3km (2mi) away – borrow a bike to explore it. Accommodation is in the style of a traditional riad, decorated with bold Moroccan textiles, and there’s a library, gorgeous spa and a Moroccan-meets-Mediterranean restaurant on site.
Courtesy of La Sultana Oualidia / Expedia
The glass-roofed spa at this luxe hotel is set in a beautiful sun-dabbled garden and includes a hair salon, hammam and a heated pool. Outside, a freshwater infinity pool faces the salty Oualidia lagoon, while a deserted sandy surf beach on Morocco’s wild western coast is not far below. Nothing is too much trouble for the friendly local staff who can arrange yoga, surfing and birdwatching sessions. This five-star pad has 12 rooms – the most affordable come with a wood-burning fireplace, large bed, marble bathroom and a spacious terrace with a hot tub.
Salut Maroc Boutique Hotel
Courtesy of Salut Maroc Boutique Hotel / Expedia
Salut Maroc is a truly flamboyant boutique hotel, set inside an 18th-century house in the old medina of Essaouira. A swirling technicolour of hand-cut Moroccan tiles touches the central courtyard, and the cushion-dotted roof terrace is where you’ll find a restaurant serving delicious grilled seafood. Bedrooms are individually designed, featuring funky local art and en-suite bathrooms with copper bathtubs. Expect sensational ocean views. The hotel has a cosy library with an open fire and a private hammam for guests. In-room beauty treatments are also available.
Courtesy of Hotel Sahrai / Expedia
The sublime hillside setting of Sahrai (meaning “magic”) offers captivating views of Fes’s labyrinth-like medina while still being a blissful place to relax. Inside and out, you’ll find traditional Moroccan features alongside modern designer touches. The L-shaped infinity pool is a lovely place to bob around enjoying the scenery. The real star of the show here, though, is the Givenchy Spa. Unwind in the jacuzzi and hammam, then browse the luxury boutique. The hotel also organises guided tours exploring the alleyways of the medina. Courtesy of Dar Bensouda / Expedia
This historic old palace in Fes dates back to the 17th century. It has been skilfully restored to show off the original dazzling architecture with all the luxury modern comforts you need. The 18 rooms, spread across three courtyards, are individually decorated and have en-suites (only the suites have bathtubs). With its lounge and roaring fireplace, the pool courtyard is a peaceful spot where tasty Moroccan dinners are served in summer. The hammam is truly authentic, while the nearest medina entry point is a 10-minute walk away.
Azalai Desert Camp
Boutique Hotel
To sleep in a remote overnight camp in the Sahara Desert is an experience not to be missed. Here, levels of luxury and comfort reach new heights. Large white tents have rustic-chic furnishings, and a personal butler service is provided for each. Dinner is a simple four-course menu blending Moroccan and French cuisine that might include a vegetable soup, Moroccan savoury pastries, a beef tagine and chocolate soufflé for dessert, cooked in the camp kitchen and served by candlelight. Alcohol is not served, but you can bring your own.
Douar Samra
Independent Hotel
Courtesy of Douar Samra / Booking.com
To reach this rustic guesthouse in a remote Berber village in the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll need the help of Douar Samra’s donkey to transport your luggage. The eight bedrooms are immensely cosy and colourful. Some don’t have electricity, but are kitted out with candles and oil lanterns, and the treehouse room sits on stilts in the garden. Wholesome Moroccan dishes are served, and breakfast typically includes a basket of fruit from the garden alongside home-baked breads. Qualified mountain guides can be arranged for various local treks. L'Amandier
Hotel
Courtesy of L'Amandier / Expedia
Located in the rural Ouirgane Valley, just 45 minutes from Marrakech, L’Amandier has stunning views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains from its infinity pool. Its rooms also benefit from breathtaking views of smaller peaks and the red soil that covers the valley. Enjoy farm-to-table seasonal food at the restaurant, a clay tennis court and private yoga classes on site, as well as guided Berber village tours and full-day hiking expeditions.
Courtesy of Royal Mansour / Expedia
Built entirely by hand by the country’s finest craftsmen, the Royal Mansour in Marrakech is truly a sight to behold. Step inside one of the private riads (there are no rooms at this hotel, only Moroccan riads), each with its own central courtyard surrounded by the living room, bar and dining room. On the first floor, there are spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, while the rooftop terrace provides you with a private swimming pool and city views. There’s also a lovely kids’ club on site for families with children under 10.
Courtesy of Karawan Riad / Expedia
Don’t be surprised if you step inside Karawan Riad and you don’t want to leave. In fact, the suites may be larger than most central New York or London apartments. Inside, you’ll find eclectic furnishings combined with modern design and state-of-the-art technology. Each room features both an interior balcony with views overlooking the central courtyard and an exterior patio with views of the old city of Fes. After a day pounding the pavements, enjoy a spiced footbath at the Leelah Hamman.
Dar Ahlam
Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Lodge
Courtesy of Dar Ahlam / Expedia
Meaning “house of dreams”, Dar Ahlam is a luxury lodge in the desert oasis city of Skoura. It’s made up of 14 rooms alongside a palm-shaded swimming pool, hammam and candle-lit massage room. As part of the nightly rates, you are invited to explore the region – a picnic in the palm groves, lunch under a tent lakeside or even a night spent in the Sahara Desert. Enjoy French fine dining at the on-site restaurant with ingredients sourced locally – make sure you try the amlou, a delicious spread made from crushed almonds and argan oil.
Dar Nour
Boutique Hotel
Head on up to the rooftop terrace at Dar Nour, where 360-degree views of the Strait of Gibraltar, the old city of Tangier and the 11th-century ramparts are visible. Meals are served under the stunningly blue skies as the wind blows off the sea. Don’t miss sunset cocktails starting from 6:30 p.m. The cosy salon spaces throughout respect the Moroccan tradition of hospitality – a place to relax and meet others in true Moroccan decor. This place isn’t just for couples or romantic getaways; single rooms are available, too.
Courtesy of Riad Fès / Expedia
A true architectural gem, Riad Fès may be the finest
riad in the region, and its accreditation with Relais & Châteaux attests to this boutique hotel’s quality. Soaring ceilings and beautiful Moroccan craftsmanship are on display at every turn – carved stucco, cedarwork, intricate
zellige tilework – it’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a museum. The food at L’Ambre is some of the finest in Fes – try the mechoui of lamb, slow-roasted over a fire.
Courtesy of El Fenn and Kasia Gatkowska
Expansive terraces with views of the Koutoubia and old city of Marrakech, a restaurant serving Ottolenghi-inspired cuisine, and plunge pools throughout make this colourful riad one of the top choices for bohemian travellers. Forget having to head out to the souks – general manager Willem Smit and designer Paul Rowland have curated the best market finds along with their own leather and textile designs. Enjoy the three pools and the spa at this hip central hotel.
Mandy Sinclair contributed additional reporting to this article.
These recommendations were updated on September 2, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.
